The BR Blue era is an homage to Paul's days train spotting as a child. CHRIS NEVARD

Big model railways can be difficult to accommodate in our homes, and sometimes we have to adapt the space we have. But it’s easy to fall into the trap of putting it off for years before finally plucking up the courage, time and energy to convert a loft or renovate a spare room. And, all too often, it never happens at all...

If any of that sounds at all familiar (it certainly does to me), then perhaps Paul Toulmin’s ‘Exeter Junction’ can inspire you to finally bite the bullet; not only is it an attractive layout, it’s beautifully presented within a comfortable and dedicated loft space that Paul converted himself.

“I converted the loft about four years ago,” says Paul. “It’s 25ft long and took me a year - a real labour of love. I used 75mm insulation board, left a small gap, and then covered it with plasterboard. I’ve found it to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter - no heating required.“The only thing I didn’t do was fit the loft windows, and the wiring, which was carried out by an electrician.” A welcome side effect of renovating the loft was that it made the entire house warmer. As Paul puts it: “It’s the perfect excuse!”

Some might have been put off by the centrally positioned rafters, but Paul cleverly used them to his advantage...